Stamped concrete offers more than just a great way to beautify your patio area or driveway. It also offers exceptional durability compared to less seamless surfaces. Oftentimes, people want to see the look of brick or other material for their patios or driveways, however, these other materials tend to be less durable should they have to sustain the constant use of people or the weight of a car. Stamped concrete provides the strength of solid concrete with the look of other materials. However, your stamped concrete’s durability depends on how well you take care of its surface.

Regular Cleanings are a Must

Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to clean stamped concrete. For outdoor surfaces, simply sweeping or hosing off the surface is usually enough to keep it clean. You can also safely power wash the surface to remove stubborn debris, as necessary.

 

Much of the same applies when dealing with indoor stamped concrete surfaces. You can either use a wet mop or a dry mop to clean up interior stamped concrete. Be sure to stay away from acidic, home-made liquid cleaners because they can corrode the concrete’s surface over time. When using quality liquid cleaners, make sure to rinse off the surface with clean water to keep unsightly soap spots from appearing as the concrete surface dries.

Stain Removal is Essential

If you spill anything on your surface, make sure to clean it up as quickly as possible so stains don’t have a chance to set. If a stain does form, there are a few ways you can tackle the issue:

 

●        A little warm water and plenty of scrubbing can help remove minor stains from stamped concrete.

●        Power washing can help lift more stubborn stains from the surface.

●        You can use an alkaline degreaser to help break down and remove heavy stains. Be sure to use a degreaser recommended by our team to avoid any accidental damage.

Periodic Sealing Provides Protection

Your stamped concrete surface already comes with a coat of sealant to safeguard against color fade and minimize wear. However, you’ll need to have this protective coat reapplied every two to three years to keep that protection going. You’re better off letting a professional tackle this task due to the amount of prepwork needed for a high-quality finish.

Steer Clear of Bad Habits

 

●        Don’t let materials that trap moisture pile up on the surface. These include fallen leaves, damp cloths, and tarps.

●        Don’t use de-icing salts on concrete surfaces. Corrosive salts can cause the surface to peel or flake off.

●        Avoid snow removal with metal plows and shovels. Anything with a metal edge has the potential to damage your concrete surface.

●        Be mindful of where you park. Parking heavy vehicles near the edge of the concrete surface can make cracks more likely to appear.

 

Whenever you need residential concrete contractors in the Twin Cities, call on the experts at Creative Concrete at (612) 414-7932.